How to set up your Google Play developer account
4 Key Reasons you need a Google Play Developer Account
Why do you need a Google Play Developer Account?
In a nutshell: A Google Play Developer Account is essential for publishing, managing, and monetizing your Android app — and a must if your business has an app in queue to be published on the Google Play Store.
To better understand the importance of developer accounts, here are some reasons why you need to set up your app developer account:
- App distribution: Setting up a Google Play developer account allows you to upload and distribute your Android apps to the Play Store.
- Access to developer tools: With a developer account, you have access to a variety of tools such as testing environments, analytics, performance tracking, and more. Google Play Console provides features such as Pre-launch reports, Firebase integration, and Google analytics.
- Monetization: Developer accounts help enable in-app purchases, subscriptions, and paid app downloads. They provide a payment system and will handle transactions for your apps, allowing you to seamlessly monetize your company’s app.
- App updates: A Google Developer account lets you update your Android app to the latest versions, push out new features, fix bugs, and seamlessly manage your overall app. Additionally, you can manage user reviews, ratings, and feedback to improve your app’s overall reputation.
7 steps to set up your Google Play Developer account
Here are the 7 simple steps to seamlessly set up your Google Play Developer account:
Step 1: Sign in to your Google account. Navigate to Google Play Console and click the “Sign in” button. Make sure to use your organization’s Google account. If you don’t have an organization account, create a new one for your enterprise.
Step 2: Register your organization. Once signed in, click the “Create an account and pay” button on the homepage and choose the option that declares you're setting up an organization account.
Step 3. Agree to the Developer DIstribution agreement. Once you register, you will then be directed to the Developer Agreement page.
From there, go to Developer Registration > Terms of Service, and read the Google Play Distribution Agreement carefully.
Once you’re ready, check the box that indicates the agreement to the terms and conditions, and then click “Continue”.
Step 4: Pay the registration fee. Once you agree to the terms, you’ll be then taken to the payment screen to pay the one-time registration fee of $25 USD.
Add your payment method in the Payment Information section and proceed to pay. Once the payment is successfully made, you will then be directed back to the Play Console to proceed with the setup.
Step 5: Fill out your company’s profile information. After completing the payment, you will then need to provide details about your organization.
Go to My Page > Settings > Developer Account > Account Details. Then, fill out the details below:
- Organization name: Provide the legal name of your organization.
- Email address: The official email address for communications.
- Organization address: the physical address of your business.
- D-U-N-S number: Add your D-U-N-S number under My Page > Settings > Account Verification. If you don’t have one, you can apply for a D-U-N-S number on the Dun & Bradstreet website.
- Website (optional): Provide a link to your organization’s website.
- Phone number: Enter an official business contact number.
After completing all the required information, click Save.
Step 6: Set up your Payments Merchant Profile. This is only a required step if your app offers in-app purchases. This profile requires your company’s legal information.
Navigate to Settings > Payments Profile > Set Up. Then, Choose “Business Profile” and provide the below details:
- Legal business name: This name needs to match your registered name.
- Business address: This is the address associated with your business.
- Tax information: Here, enter your organization’s tax identification number (e.g., EIN, VAT).
- Banking information: This is where you need to give your banking information to receive payments from Google.
Step 7: Provide additional verification documents. At this point, Google may request additional documents for verification. Go to Settings > Account Verification.
These documents may include:
- Certificate of Incorporation: This is a legal document that proves the company's official registration and incorporation.
- Business License: This is a government-issued permit that allows your business to operate legally in its jurisdiction.
- Official registration papers: These are documents that confirm your company’s legal establishment such as Articles of Association.
Once all the company details are completed and the required documents are submitted, your account will then go through a review process by Google.
You can then activate your account. This will typically take anywhere from a few hours to 48 hours. You’ll receive an email confirmation when the developer account is activated.
After the developer account is activated, you can start uploading your app(s). To do this, simply go to All Apps > Create App and publish your first app.
Summary
Setting up a Google Play developer account is important for businesses to distribute, manage, and monetize their Android apps.
It provides developers a plethora of essential tools such as app analytics, performance tracking, and updates. You can also manage in-app purchases, subscriptions, and process payments through the developer account, making monetization seamless.
Want to know how it all works?
Get hands-on with Median’s comprehensive documentation, and build your app with ease.
Frequently asked questions
What is the benefit of registering as an organization in Google Play developer account setup?
When registering a Google Play developer account, choosing to set up as an organization allows multiple team members to access and manage the account under a unified business profile, ensuring better app management. Additionally, it establishes your brand's credibility, especially for larger app development teams or businesses looking to monetize their apps.
Why does Google Play require a D-U-N-S number for organization accounts?
A D-U-N-S number is required to verify the legitimacy of a business or organization during Google Play developer account registration. This number, issued by Dun & Bradstreet, helps Google ensure that your business is legally recognized and trustworthy. It's a crucial step for organizations looking to publish apps professionally and maintain a verified status on the Play Store.
Can I update my app after publishing it on Google Play?
Yes, with a Google Play developer account, you can regularly update your app to release new features, fix bugs, and improve performance. The Play Console offers tools to manage and monitor these updates, ensuring that your users receive the latest version of your app without needing to uninstall or reinstall it.
How do I convert my website to an Android app and publish it on Google Play?
You can convert your website into an Android app using platforms like Median.co, which builds a webview app that mirrors your website's functionality. Once your app is ready, you’ll need to create a Google Play developer account to upload, manage, and publish the app. The developer account also lets you track downloads, user feedback, and app performance.
What happens if my Google Play developer account registration is rejected?
If your Google Play developer account registration is rejected, it could be due to incomplete or incorrect information provided during the setup process. Google may require additional documentation or clarification. You will be notified via email with instructions on how to resolve the issue, including steps to submit missing documents or verify business details to complete the registration successfully.
to top
Related articles
